Moving Transit Forward: Highlights and Milestones from 2024

As the year comes to a close, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the progress and transformation we’ve seen in public transit throughout 2024. This year, we’ve been proud to partner with agencies and operators worldwide to make paying for transit simpler, more equitable, and more accessible.

It’s been inspiring to see our customers achieve incredible success, with many recognized by APTA for their outstanding ridership growth.  Highlights include UTA’s 17% increase in ridership, METRO Regional Transit Authority’s 23% growth, Portage Area Regional Transit Authority’s impressive 52% rise, and Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit’s 32% gains. Bustang also had a banner year, doubling its ridership and expanding its network to connect more Colorado communities. 

These achievements reflect the dedication of transit agencies in making public transportation a more compelling choice for riders. At Masabi, we’re honored to support these efforts. From strengthening partnerships with New York MTA and Denver RTD  to launching Account-Based Ticketing (ABT) and Open Payments, 2024 has been a year of redefining seamless and inclusive travel through our enterprise-ready Justride platform.

To our customers and partners, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Your trust and collaboration have been the driving force behind every milestone, delivering smarter and more inclusive transit systems.
Here’s a look back at the key moments and trends of 2024 that are shaping the future of how people travel.

Long-lasting Customer Partnerships with New York MTA, Denver RTD and EZfare

In 2024,  Masabi’s decade-long partnership with New York’s MTA reached a new milestone with a new up to 12-year, $97 million contract extension. The agreement will enhance the TrainTime app with OMNY integration, enabling seamless tap-and-go functionality for LIRR and Metro-North riders, alongside new features like promotions and loyalty rewards. 

In June 2024, Masabi renewed its long-standing partnership with Denver’s RTD, continuing to provide an end-to-end Fare Payments-as-a-Service platform. This extension builds on years of collaboration, supporting RTD in delivering modern, rider-friendly fare solutions and strengthening its commitment to accessible, innovative public transit for the communities it serves. 

Meanwhile, our partnership with EZfare continued to grow, with agencies like Butler County Regional Transit Authority (BCRTA), Laketran and Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) launching Account-Based Ticketing systems, powered by our Justride platform.

Did you know?  Masabi’s Mobility Provider Payment API enables third-party mobility services like bikeshare and ride-hailing to integrate seamlessly with transit agencies’ stored value accounts. This allows riders to pay for multimodal journeys effortlessly, making Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) a reality.

Account-Based Ticketing and Open Payments Accelerate

 The continued adoption of Account-Based Ticketing (ABT) and ABT with Open Payments made significant strides in 2024, changing the way riders pay for transit and allowing people from all backgrounds to ride without needing to buy a pass before traveling. Core Transit in Colorado launched in June with fare capping to ensure riders always pay the best price for their journey. In September, Madison Metro Transit implemented ABT with smartcards - also available on their new BRT system unveiled in September this year which includes more direct bus routes. Knoxville Area Transit followed in October, as they now prepare to switch to exact change only, promoting faster boardings and reduced dwell times. Agencies like BCRTA and TARTA also joined the shift to ABT, with five EZfare agencies adopting more accessible and equitable fare solutions for their communities. In December, Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) launched ABT, marking a milestone in modernizing transit in the region.  

Did you know? Masabi’s Justride platform has a Family Account functionality making group travel easier. This enables one account holder to manage funds for multiple adults and/or children, simplifying transit for families and groups everywhere.

Open Payments also gained momentum in 2024. RTC of Southern Nevada launched Open Payments last year, allowing riders to pay using contactless credit or debit cards. Similarly, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) introduced Open Payments powered by Masabi’s Justride platform, offering seamless tap-and-go functionality for travelers. Masabi’s Justride platform has a Family Account functionality making group travel easier. This enables one account holder to manage funds l for multiple adults and/or children, simplifying transit for families and groups everywhere.

Together, these advancements highlight the growing trends of ABT and Open Payments, creating smarter, more connected transit systems for riders around the globe. These trends demonstrate the power of Masabi’s enterprise-grade platform, delivering proven, scalable solutions for transit systems of all sizes. 

 Did you know? Riders can now link accounts for journeys made with their contactless bank cards unlocking comprehensive account management functionality and enabling discounts and concessions using Masabi’s Justride platform. 

Advancing Fare Equity through Discount Programs and Cash Digitization 

In 2024, equity and inclusivity took the spotlight in public transit with initiatives like income-based discounts, student support and cash digitization. Pittsburgh’s Allegheny GO launched discounted fares for 130,000+ SNAP beneficiaries, reducing costs for those in need. NEORide’s EZfare expanded across Ohio, Kentucky, and Michigan, enabling unbanked riders to top up with cash at local retailers, making transit more inclusive and accessible. In June 2024 Metrolink also renewed its Student Adventure Pass program, providing financial relief for tens of thousands of students who can apply those cost savings to food, rent, and other educational expenses while expanding access to education and opportunity.

Mobile Ticketing Growth: Tickets into Google Maps and Citymapper 

 In 2024, transit agencies embraced digital innovations to make public transportation more accessible and convenient. In November, Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) launched mobile ticketing in Google Wallet, allowing riders to store and use transit tickets digitally for a streamlined travel experience. Earlier in April, NXWM expanded its options by enabling ticket purchases within the Uber app, enhancing multimodal journeys.

Further advancements included our partnership with Citymapper to launch its first-ever mobile ticketing integration, enabling users to plan trips and purchase National Express West Midlands (NXWM) bus tickets directly in-app. This all-in-one plan, pay, and ride experience blends journey planning with ticketing, simplifying travel for riders.

Did you know? In 2024, Masabi powered Citymapper’s first-ever mobile ticketing launch with National Express West Midlands in the UK, making transit more accessible through everyday apps.

Agency-branded Mobile Apps

We know agency-branded applications are not going away, and if anything will get more popular as agencies look to connect with their riders and expand their brand presence. Agencies such as Saint John Transit and Greater Lynchburg Transit Company (GLTC) launched mobile ticketing, offering riders the convenience of purchasing and storing tickets digitally, with GLTC integrating trip planning for a seamless experience while Madison Metro Transit and Halifax Transit enhanced their systems with mobile ticketing. These advancements are not just about convenience—they are building smarter, more accessible transit systems ready to evolve with riders’ needs. In 2024, Masabi powered Citymapper’s first-ever mobile ticketing launch with National Express West Midlands in the UK, making transit more accessible through everyday apps. We know agency-branded applications are not going away, and if anything will get more popular.

Did you know?  Masabi supports over 30 transit agencies and transport authorities with multiple mobile ticketing apps, ensuring riders have flexible and convenient options to access transit services.

Barcode Ticketing Continues to Grow with LA Metro and V/Line in Australia

OK, let’s be clear. All our mobile apps use a barcode (Dynamic QR or Aztec)  - but we wanted to highlight another trend we are seeing around barcode expanding beyond mobile apps. 

In 2024, barcode ticketing continued to demonstrate its value in enhancing transit accessibility and convenience. Masabi’s ticketing technology, in partnership with LA Metro, powered seamless transit access for concertgoers traveling to the Hollywood Bowl, allowing attendees to enjoy events without the stress of driving or relying on private cars. 

Similarly, V/Line in Australia adopted an eTicketing system powered by Justride, delivering barcode tickets to riders via email or SMS and enabling efficient ticket inspection with handheld validation devices. These implementations underscore the growing reliability and versatility of barcode ticketing in improving the rider experience across the globe.

The Justride Ready Partnership Program

In June 2024, Masabi proudly launched the Justride Ready Partner Program, a major milestone as our partner ecosystem surpassed 100 companies. Masabi champions an open approach with our open platform and the partner program is designed to provide transit agencies with flexible and reliable best-in-class fare collection systems. The program connects agencies with pre-certified partners across key areas like validators, ticket vending machines, mobile apps, back-office systems and more. 

Partners benefit from comprehensive support, including onboarding, targeted marketing, and platform expertise, while Justride Ready certification ensures all solutions meet rigorous standards for quality and reliability. This initiative empowers agencies to build tailored fare solutions without being locked-in, reduces project risk, and fosters innovation, reinforcing our  commitment to collaboration and adaptability when it comes to fare payment systems.

Recognition for Innovation

This year, our partnership with Denver RTD and the Transit app was honored with Metro Magazine’s Innovation Award, a recognition that celebrates the power of collaboration in simplifying multimodal travel and creating better experiences for riders. 

Adding to this achievement, our Justride open platform was Highly Commended at the 2024 Transport Ticketing Global Awards. These recognitions highlight the power of SaaS platforms like Justride, enabling transit agencies to access the latest fare payments technology without the need for bespoke development, making it easier and more cost-effective for transit agencies to launch new functionalities. 

As 2024 comes to an end, we’re deeply grateful for the trust and collaboration of our partners and clients who have helped drive real change in public transit. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey. Here’s to all we’ve accomplished together and to the opportunities ahead. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a successful New Year.